A 23-year-old Hilo man was found dead Thursday (September 5, 2002) after being involved in a motorcycle accident the night before on Makuu Drive and 31st Avenue in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision of Puna.

The victim was identified as Kapono K. Miller, of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 10:33 a.m. call, Puna police determined that the motorcycle rider was riding a Suzuki dirt bike south on Makuu Drive when he ran off the right side of the road at 31st Avenue. It is estimated that the accident occurred between 9:55 and 10:26 p.m. Wednesday.

The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:33 p.m. Thursday.

Alcohol and speed appear to be contributing factors in the accident.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Because the accident occurred on a private road, the fatality was not included in the Big Island fatality count, which remains at 18 so far this year.